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The Delhi High Court Tuesday directed Air India to ensure its panel, looking into the sexual harassment allegations by an air hostess against one of its senior officials, ensures confidentiality of the names of the witnesses who would depose in support of the complainant.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru asked the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) constituted by the airline to ensure the witnesses are provided a secure environment to depose in and that they are cross-examined through interrogatories -- questions and answers -- instead of face-to-face.

The direction was issued after the air hostess moved a plea challenging the ICC's July 20 decision rejecting her request that a local commissioner be appointed to examine the witnesses.

In her plea, filed through advocate Sanjoy Ghose, she has said most of the witnesses, who are women, are apprehensive about disclosure of their names as they work in the same organisation and are married. 
The court directed the air hostess to file her list of witnesses before the ICC in a sealed cover.

It also asked her to move a representation before the ICC for examination of witnesses by a local commissioner and said the panel will consider her request in accordance with the law.

The court allowed the official, accused of sexual harassment, to cross examine the witnesses but only through interrogatories and not face-to-face.

It also directed the air hostess to refrain from making any statement on any media channel, social media platform or any private group regarding the case after the accused official said his entire career has been compromised as everything about the matter has been put on social media allegedly by her.

The official's claim was disputed by Ghose.

With the directions, the court disposed of the air hostess' plea.

She had in July moved the high court to replace the chairperson of the ICC and directions to that effect were issued to Air India.

She had claimed in her earlier plea that the panel chairperson was close to the official accused of misconduct.

Air India had agreed to replace the chairperson of its then ICC after the high court made it clear that it would otherwise stay the proceedings before the panel.

In her earlier plea, the woman had cited several instances where the accused official had allegedly used derogatory language against her as well as other women employees.

She had claimed that in 2015, she had brought the issue to the attention of then chairman and managing director of the airline, but no action was taken on her complaint.

In 2018 she had written to Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and after his intervention an ICC was constituted, she had said and added the panel had not conducted the proceedings for nearly six months and did not even give her sufficient time to address her case.

Thereafter, she wrote to Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi and after her intervention, the second panel was formed in June this year, but it was headed by a person allegedly close to the accused official.

 
&nbsp

The Delhi High Court Tuesday directed Air India to ensure its panel, looking into the sexual harassment allegations by an air hostess against one of its senior officials, ensures confidentiality of the names of the witnesses who would depose in support of the complainant.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday directed Air India to ensure its panel, looking into the sexual harassment allegations by an air hostess against one of its senior officials, ensures confidentiality of the names of the witnesses who would depose in support of the complainant. Justice Vibhu Bakhru asked the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) constituted by the airline to ensure the witnesses are provided a secure environment to depose in and that they are cross-examined through interrogatories -- questions and answers -- instead of face-to-face. The direction was issued after the air hostess moved a plea challenging the ICC's July 20 decision rejecting her request that a local commissioner be appointed to examine the witnesses. In her plea, filed through advocate Sanjoy Ghose, she has said most of the witnesses, who are women, are apprehensive about disclosure of their names as they work in the same organisation and are married. The court directed the air hostess to file her list of witnesses before the ICC in a sealed cover. It also asked her to move a representation before the ICC for examination of witnesses by a local commissioner and said the panel will consider her request in accordance with the law. The court allowed the official, accused of sexual harassment, to cross examine the witnesses but only through interrogatories and not face-to-face. It also directed the air hostess to refrain from making any statement on any media channel, social media platform or any private group regarding the case after the accused official said his entire career has been compromised as everything about the matter has been put on social media allegedly by her. The official's claim was disputed by Ghose. With the directions, the court disposed of the air hostess' plea. She had in July moved the high court to replace the chairperson of the ICC and directions to that effect were issued to Air India. She had claimed in her earlier plea that the panel chairperson was close to the official accused of misconduct. Air India had agreed to replace the chairperson of its then ICC after the high court made it clear that it would otherwise stay the proceedings before the panel. In her earlier plea, the woman had cited several instances where the accused official had allegedly used derogatory language against her as well as other women employees. She had claimed that in 2015, she had brought the issue to the attention of then chairman and managing director of the airline, but no action was taken on her complaint. In 2018 she had written to Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and after his intervention an ICC was constituted, she had said and added the panel had not conducted the proceedings for nearly six months and did not even give her sufficient time to address her case. Thereafter, she wrote to Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi and after her intervention, the second panel was formed in June this year, but it was headed by a person allegedly close to the accused official.

Sexual harassment case: High Court asks Air India panel to ensure witness confidentiality

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday sought to allay fears&nbspover the steep fall in the Indian rupee`s value against the US dollar and said the inherent strength of the country`s economy will aid in arresting the downtrend.

The recent trend in the Indian rupee`s devaluation has been caused due to external factors such as fluctuations in the global crude oil prices, trade war tensions and outflows of funds towards the US. Jaitley said.

"No need for the world`s fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reaction...," Jaitley said at a media briefing after the meeting of the Union Cabinet.

''RBI is certainly doing whatever is necessary. No need for the world`s fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reaction...," Jaitley said at a media briefing after the meeting of the Union Cabinet.

''We must bear in mind that dollar has strengthened against almost every currency. The Rupee has either consistently strengthened or remained in a range, not weakened. Most of the other currencies of the world, compared to what it was 4-5 yrs ago, Rupee is better off,'' Jaitley said.

Speaking on &nbspPradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), he said the government has decided to make the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) an open-ended scheme and added more incentives to encourage people to open bank accounts.

Jaitley said as the scheme has been a "runway success", the government has decided to make it an open-ended scheme, meaning that it will continue indefinitely.&nbsp

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We must bear in mind that dollar has strengthened against almost every currency. The Rupee has either consistently strengthened or remained in a range, not weakened. Most of the other currencies of the world,compared to what it was 4-5 yrs ago, Rupee is better off:FM Arun Jaitley <a href="https://t.co/0ExMtygWM6">pic.twitter.com/0ExMtygWM6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1037361993697521664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The PMJDY was launched in August 2014 for a period of four years as a national mission for financial inclusion to ensure access of financial services like bank accounts, insurance and pensions to the masses.

To make the scheme more attractive, the government has decided to double the overdraft facility from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, the minister said.&nbsp

He further said that 32.41 crore accounts have been opened under the scheme and as much Rs 81,200 crore has been deposited in them so far.&nbsp

Jaitley said 53 per cent of the PMJDY account holders are women, while 83 per cent of the accounts is seeded with Aadhaar.&nbsp

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RBI is certainly doing whatever is necessary. I don't think there is any need for the world's fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reactions: FM Arun Jaitley on falling of rupee against the dollar <a href="https://t.co/AbBAzFo3zC">pic.twitter.com/AbBAzFo3zC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1037362794511777796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

"No need for the world`s fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reaction...," Jaitley said at a media briefing after the meeting of the Union Cabinet.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday sought to allay fears&nbspover the steep fall in the Indian rupee`s value against the US dollar and said the inherent strength of the country`s economy will aid in arresting the downtrend. The recent trend in the Indian rupee`s devaluation has been caused due to external factors such as fluctuations in the global crude oil prices, trade war tensions and outflows of funds towards the US. Jaitley said. "No need for the world`s fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reaction...," Jaitley said at a media briefing after the meeting of the Union Cabinet. ''RBI is certainly doing whatever is necessary. No need for the world`s fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reaction...," Jaitley said at a media briefing after the meeting of the Union Cabinet. ''We must bear in mind that dollar has strengthened against almost every currency. The Rupee has either consistently strengthened or remained in a range, not weakened. Most of the other currencies of the world, compared to what it was 4-5 yrs ago, Rupee is better off,'' Jaitley said. Speaking on &nbspPradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), he said the government has decided to make the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) an open-ended scheme and added more incentives to encourage people to open bank accounts. Jaitley said as the scheme has been a "runway success", the government has decided to make it an open-ended scheme, meaning that it will continue indefinitely. We must bear in mind that dollar has strengthened against almost every currency. The Rupee has either consistently strengthened or remained in a range, not weakened. Most of the other currencies of the world,compared to what it was 4-5 yrs ago, Rupee is better off:FM Arun Jaitley pic.twitter.com/0ExMtygWM6 — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2018 × The PMJDY was launched in August 2014 for a period of four years as a national mission for financial inclusion to ensure access of financial services like bank accounts, insurance and pensions to the masses. To make the scheme more attractive, the government has decided to double the overdraft facility from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, the minister said. He further said that 32.41 crore accounts have been opened under the scheme and as much Rs 81,200 crore has been deposited in them so far. Jaitley said 53 per cent of the PMJDY account holders are women, while 83 per cent of the accounts is seeded with Aadhaar. RBI is certainly doing whatever is necessary. I don't think there is any need for the world's fastest-growing economy to come out with panic and knee-jerk reactions: FM Arun Jaitley on falling of rupee against the dollar pic.twitter.com/AbBAzFo3zC — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2018 ×

No need to panic over rupee devaluation: Arun Jaitley

Google dedicated its doodle on Wednesday to celebrate Teachers' Day and mark the 130th birth anniversary of India's second President, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Born on September 5, 1888, in Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Dr Sarvepalli was an Indian philosopher and statesman who became the first Vice President of the country.&nbsp;

The Bharat Ratna recipient is credited with the formation of contemporary Hindu identity and played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between India and the West by making people understand the basics of Hinduism.&nbsp;

His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta and in defending Hinduism against Western criticism. He was also a crucial part of India's freedom struggle.&nbsp;

He extensively believed in the power of imparting knowledge and stressed that teachers should be the best minds.

Every year in India, his birthday is joyously celebrated as Teachers' Day to honour him and tens of thousands of those who impart knowledge as teachers.

Dr Sarvepalli breathed his last on April 17, 1975, in Tamil Nadu. He was 86.

Born on September 5, 1888, in Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Dr Sarvepalli was an Indian philosopher and statesman who became the first Vice President of the country.

Google dedicated its doodle on Wednesday to celebrate Teachers' Day and mark the 130th birth anniversary of India's second President, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Born on September 5, 1888, in Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Dr Sarvepalli was an Indian philosopher and statesman who became the first Vice President of the country. The Bharat Ratna recipient is credited with the formation of contemporary Hindu identity and played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between India and the West by making people understand the basics of Hinduism. His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta and in defending Hinduism against Western criticism. He was also a crucial part of India's freedom struggle. He extensively believed in the power of imparting knowledge and stressed that teachers should be the best minds. Every year in India, his birthday is joyously celebrated as Teachers' Day to honour him and tens of thousands of those who impart knowledge as teachers. Dr Sarvepalli breathed his last on April 17, 1975, in Tamil Nadu. He was 86.

Google doodle celebrates Teachers' Day, 130th birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

After the consecutive increase in the fuel prices for 10 days, the prices of petrol and diesel remained unchanged on Wednesday.

The total surge in petrol prices in the last 10 days went up by Rs 2.50 per litre and that of diesel went by Rs 3 per litre.

While the prices of petrol surged by 16 paise, prices of diesel went up by nearly 20 paise on Tuesday.

The price of Petrol and diesel reached Rs 79.31 and Rs 71.34 per litre respectively in the national capital on Wednesday.

While the petrol price in Mumbai reached to Rs 86.72 per litre, that of diesel rose to Rs 75.74.

Fuel prices have been on the rise since August 16 after the rupee dipped to its lowest value against the US dollar.

The total surge in petrol prices in the last 10 days went up by Rs 2.50 per litre and that of diesel went by Rs 3 per litre

After the consecutive increase in the fuel prices for 10 days, the prices of petrol and diesel remained unchanged on Wednesday. The total surge in petrol prices in the last 10 days went up by Rs 2.50 per litre and that of diesel went by Rs 3 per litre. While the prices of petrol surged by 16 paise, prices of diesel went up by nearly 20 paise on Tuesday. The price of Petrol and diesel reached Rs 79.31 and Rs 71.34 per litre respectively in the national capital on Wednesday. While the petrol price in Mumbai reached to Rs 86.72 per litre, that of diesel rose to Rs 75.74. Fuel prices have been on the rise since August 16 after the rupee dipped to its lowest value against the US dollar.

After consecutive increase for 10 days, fuel prices remain unchanged on Wednesday

Following the collapse of a 50-year old bridge in West Bengal on Tuesday, opposition parties in the state have alleged that the Trinamool Congress-led government's "callousness towards the repair of old bridges" was the main reason behind the catastrophe.

A portion of the arterial Majerhat bridge collapsed in western part of Kolkata on Tuesday in West Bengal with several people feared trapped.

At least one person was killed with six others admitted in the hospital.

BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha blamed the state government for its alleged negligence in maintaining bridges in the state and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury demanded an "answer" from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Public Works Department Minister Firhad Hakim.

West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has urged the agencies responsible for the maintenance of the bridges in the state to investigate on the matter.

The West Bengal government, on the other hand, has decided to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased in the bridge collapse, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

She further added that the government will also pay Rs 50,000 to each of the injured.

(With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has urged the agencies responsible for the maintenance of the bridges in the state to investigate on the matter

Following the collapse of a 50-year old bridge in West Bengal on Tuesday, opposition parties in the state have alleged that the Trinamool Congress-led government's "callousness towards the repair of old bridges" was the main reason behind the catastrophe. A portion of the arterial Majerhat bridge collapsed in western part of Kolkata on Tuesday in West Bengal with several people feared trapped. At least one person was killed with six others admitted in the hospital. BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha blamed the state government for its alleged negligence in maintaining bridges in the state and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury demanded an "answer" from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Public Works Department Minister Firhad Hakim. West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has urged the agencies responsible for the maintenance of the bridges in the state to investigate on the matter. The West Bengal government, on the other hand, has decided to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased in the bridge collapse, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said. She further added that the government will also pay Rs 50,000 to each of the injured. (With inputs from agencies)

Blame game in Bengal over Kolkata bridge collapse, CM to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/were-in-crazytown-trumps-white-house-staff-says-in-damning-new-book-163657">'We're in Crazytown,' Trump's White House staff says in </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/were-in-crazytown-trumps-white-house-staff-says-in-damning-new-book-163657">damning</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/were-in-crazytown-trumps-white-house-staff-says-in-damning-new-book-163657"> new book</a>

President Donald Trump's White House is mired in a perpetual "nervous breakdown" with staff battling to rein in the worst impulses of an angry, paranoid leader, according to an explosive new book by veteran reporter Bob Woodward.

Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews, the respected White House chronicler describes a coalition of like-minded aides plotting to prevent the US president from destroying the world trade system, undermining national security and sparking wars.

While Woodward's is not the first unflattering investigation into Trump's White House, it carries particular weight coming from the man who together with Carl Bernstein authored the Watergate expose that brought down Richard Nixon.

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/army-steadfast-behind-all-officers-who-have-conducted-operations-in-jammu-and-kashmir-northeast-army-chief-bipin-rawat-163673">Army steadfast behind all officers who have conducted operations in J&K, Northeast: Chief</a>

The armed forces and the Defence Ministry are steadfastly behind all officers who have conducted operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the north east, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said Tuesday.

His comments come against the backdrop of nearly 700 Army officers and soldiers approaching the Supreme Court against the alleged dilution of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, also known as AFSPA.&nbsp;

Sources said if the officials lose the case, it will be a major embarrassment.

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-government-steps-in-as-hardiks-fast-enters-11th-day-163654">Hardik Patel hunger strike: As doctors express concern, Gujarat government steps in</a>

As doctors expressed concern over the health of Hardik Patel, the Gujarat government stepped up its efforts to persuade the Patidar leader to end his indefinite hunger strike which entered the twelfth day on Wednesday.

Hardik had launched his fast on August 25 for demands, including farm loan waiver and reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-wanted-syrian-president-bashar-al-assad-killed-says-new-book-163661">Trump wanted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad killed, says </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-wanted-syrian-president-bashar-al-assad-killed-says-new-book-163661">new</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-wanted-syrian-president-bashar-al-assad-killed-says-new-book-163661"> book</a>

US President Donald Trump wanted to have Syrian President Bashar al-Assad assassinated last year but his defence secretary ignored the request, according to a new book that depicts top Trump aides sometimes disregarding presidential orders to limit what they saw as damaging and dangerous behaviour.

Excerpts from the book, "Fear: Trump in the White House," written by famed Watergate reporter Bob Woodward, were published by the Washington Post on Tuesday. The book, which is scheduled for release on Sept. 11, is the latest to detail tensions within the White House under Trump's 20-month-old presidency.

"It's just another bad book," Trump told the Daily Caller.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-maiden-22-dialogue-with-india-pompeo-to-visit-pakistan-to-discuss-terror-groups-163672">Ahead of maiden 2+2 Dialogue with India, Pompeo to visit Pakistan to discuss terror groups</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to visit Pakistan today to meet the country's new leadership in Islamabad in a bid to reset the strained bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Pompeo is expected to press Pakistan to target all terror groups on its soil and play a positive role in war-torn Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Pompeo is arriving in Islamabad along with General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, days after the Trump administration cancelled USD 300 million in military aid to Pakistan as it was not doing enough against terrorist groups inside its borders, the latest controversy to hit Islamabad's troubled relationship with Washington.&nbsp;

Read the top five stories of the morning here

'We're in Crazytown,' Trump's White House staff says in damning new book President Donald Trump's White House is mired in a perpetual "nervous breakdown" with staff battling to rein in the worst impulses of an angry, paranoid leader, according to an explosive new book by veteran reporter Bob Woodward. Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews, the respected White House chronicler describes a coalition of like-minded aides plotting to prevent the US president from destroying the world trade system, undermining national security and sparking wars. While Woodward's is not the first unflattering investigation into Trump's White House, it carries particular weight coming from the man who together with Carl Bernstein authored the Watergate expose that brought down Richard Nixon. Army steadfast behind all officers who have conducted operations in J&K, Northeast: Chief The armed forces and the Defence Ministry are steadfastly behind all officers who have conducted operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the north east, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said Tuesday. His comments come against the backdrop of nearly 700 Army officers and soldiers approaching the Supreme Court against the alleged dilution of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, also known as AFSPA. Sources said if the officials lose the case, it will be a major embarrassment. Hardik Patel hunger strike: As doctors express concern, Gujarat government steps in As doctors expressed concern over the health of Hardik Patel, the Gujarat government stepped up its efforts to persuade the Patidar leader to end his indefinite hunger strike which entered the twelfth day on Wednesday. Hardik had launched his fast on August 25 for demands, including farm loan waiver and reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector. Trump wanted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad killed, says new book US President Donald Trump wanted to have Syrian President Bashar al-Assad assassinated last year but his defence secretary ignored the request, according to a new book that depicts top Trump aides sometimes disregarding presidential orders to limit what they saw as damaging and dangerous behaviour. Excerpts from the book, "Fear: Trump in the White House," written by famed Watergate reporter Bob Woodward, were published by the Washington Post on Tuesday. The book, which is scheduled for release on Sept. 11, is the latest to detail tensions within the White House under Trump's 20-month-old presidency. "It's just another bad book," Trump told the Daily Caller. Ahead of maiden 2+2 Dialogue with India, Pompeo to visit Pakistan to discuss terror groups US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to visit Pakistan today to meet the country's new leadership in Islamabad in a bid to reset the strained bilateral ties. During the meeting, Pompeo is expected to press Pakistan to target all terror groups on its soil and play a positive role in war-torn Afghanistan. Pompeo is arriving in Islamabad along with General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, days after the Trump administration cancelled USD 300 million in military aid to Pakistan as it was not doing enough against terrorist groups inside its borders, the latest controversy to hit Islamabad's troubled relationship with Washington.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the plea of Uttarakhand government seeking vacation of its order staying further construction activities there and observed that the states have rushed to the court as the builders may have “gone after them”.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta also allowed the prayer of Maharashtra government seeking a clarification that there was no stay on construction activity in that state.

The apex court had on August 31 castigated some states and union territories for their “pathetic” attitude in not framing a solid waste management policy as per the 2016 Rules on the issue and stayed construction activities till they brought it out.

It had slapped a cost of Rs three lakh each on Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and the union territory of Chandigarh.

It had also imposed a cost of Rs five lakh on Andhra Pradesh for not filing an affidavit as per the court’s July 10 direction and observed that even the Centre was not aware whether the state had framed the policy.

At the hearing on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chandigarh also moved the apex court on the issue, which led the bench to observe: “All the builders must have gone after you after our order (staying further construction).”

It asked the counsel for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chandigarh to file their applications in this regard.

At the outset, the counsel for Uttarakhand told the bench that they have framed the policy as per the 2016 Rule which would now go before the cabinet for approval.

“We are facing a calamity-like situation,” the counsel said while referring to the landslides and formation of an artificial lake in Tehri Garhwal area in the state.

He said that due to the formation of artificial lake owing to landslides, around 13 villages were in danger.

The counsel also urged the bench that cost of Rs three lakh imposed on them should go for the relief and rescue operations going on in the state. The court allowed the request of the Uttarakhand government.

However, the counsel also told the bench that cost were imposed on states for not framing the policy under the Rule, but the Centre has not yet framed a national policy in this regard.

Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for Centre, countered the claim and referred to the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ launched earlier by the government.

Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade and advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that the state had framed the policy in 2017 itself but due to some “communication gap”, it was not conveyed to the court.

The bench questioned Maharashtra about utilisation of cess collected under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and asked whether the money was being used on workers’ welfare.

“You have collected crore of rupees under this and you are not giving it to these persons (construction workers),” the bench said and directed Maharashtra to give details about it on September 11 with regard to construction workers in Mumbai.

When Odisha’s counsel said there was some “confusion” on their part during August 31 hearing due to which they could not apprise the apex court about framing of the policy, the bench said “everybody is confused when it come to implementation of law”.

The issue of waste management had cropped up when the court was dealing with a tragic incident of 2015 in which it had taken cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue in Delhi. The victim was allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals here and his distraught parents had subsequently committed suicide.

The apex court had earlier taken strong note of non-implementation of solid waste management rules in the country and observed that “India will one day go down under the garbage”.

The apex court had on August 31 castigated some states and union territories for their "pathetic" attitude in not framing a solid waste management policy as per the 2016 Rules on the issue and stayed construction activities till they brought it out.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the plea of Uttarakhand government seeking vacation of its order staying further construction activities there and observed that the states have rushed to the court as the builders may have “gone after them”. A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta also allowed the prayer of Maharashtra government seeking a clarification that there was no stay on construction activity in that state. The apex court had on August 31 castigated some states and union territories for their “pathetic” attitude in not framing a solid waste management policy as per the 2016 Rules on the issue and stayed construction activities till they brought it out. It had slapped a cost of Rs three lakh each on Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and the union territory of Chandigarh. It had also imposed a cost of Rs five lakh on Andhra Pradesh for not filing an affidavit as per the court’s July 10 direction and observed that even the Centre was not aware whether the state had framed the policy. At the hearing on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chandigarh also moved the apex court on the issue, which led the bench to observe: “All the builders must have gone after you after our order (staying further construction).” It asked the counsel for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chandigarh to file their applications in this regard. At the outset, the counsel for Uttarakhand told the bench that they have framed the policy as per the 2016 Rule which would now go before the cabinet for approval. “We are facing a calamity-like situation,” the counsel said while referring to the landslides and formation of an artificial lake in Tehri Garhwal area in the state. He said that due to the formation of artificial lake owing to landslides, around 13 villages were in danger. The counsel also urged the bench that cost of Rs three lakh imposed on them should go for the relief and rescue operations going on in the state. The court allowed the request of the Uttarakhand government. However, the counsel also told the bench that cost were imposed on states for not framing the policy under the Rule, but the Centre has not yet framed a national policy in this regard. Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for Centre, countered the claim and referred to the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ launched earlier by the government. Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade and advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, appearing for Maharashtra, told the bench that the state had framed the policy in 2017 itself but due to some “communication gap”, it was not conveyed to the court. The bench questioned Maharashtra about utilisation of cess collected under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and asked whether the money was being used on workers’ welfare. “You have collected crore of rupees under this and you are not giving it to these persons (construction workers),” the bench said and directed Maharashtra to give details about it on September 11 with regard to construction workers in Mumbai. When Odisha’s counsel said there was some “confusion” on their part during August 31 hearing due to which they could not apprise the apex court about framing of the policy, the bench said “everybody is confused when it come to implementation of law”. The issue of waste management had cropped up when the court was dealing with a tragic incident of 2015 in which it had taken cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue in Delhi. The victim was allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals here and his distraught parents had subsequently committed suicide. The apex court had earlier taken strong note of non-implementation of solid waste management rules in the country and observed that “India will one day go down under the garbage”.

Supreme Court: Builders must have gone after states following stay order on construction

A 22-year old engineer has allegedly committed suicide near Panrutti in the district with the Blue Whale Challenge game suspected to be behind his death, police said Wednesday.

Seshadri ended his life by hanging himself at his house Tuesday night when his family members were away, they said.

Police said they seized various books on ghosts and a mobile phone using which he had played the game.

Police said they suspect that the man, an employee of a private factory at Mettukuppam in neighbouring Puducherry, could have committed suicide under the influence of the game.

Further investigations were on, they added.

The online game demands players to complete tasks given by an anonymous controller over 50 days with the final challenge to commit suicide.

The game allegedly led to a spate of suicides in India and other countries last year.

However, the government informed Lok Sabha in January this year that there was no evidence of anyone committing suicide due to the Blue Whale challenge game.

A committee headed by the DG, Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-In), investigate cases of suicide committed or attempted allegedly using Blue Whale challenge game but could not establish the involvement of the game in any of the deaths, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir had said in a written reply.

Recently, there have been reports of another similar killer game "momo" surfacing online with police in some states, including West Bengal and Odisha, cautioning schools and parents to ensure that children do not fall prey to it.

The online game demands players to complete tasks given by an anonymous controller over 50 days with the final challenge to commit suicide.

A 22-year old engineer has allegedly committed suicide near Panrutti in the district with the Blue Whale Challenge game suspected to be behind his death, police said Wednesday. Seshadri ended his life by hanging himself at his house Tuesday night when his family members were away, they said. Police said they seized various books on ghosts and a mobile phone using which he had played the game. Police said they suspect that the man, an employee of a private factory at Mettukuppam in neighbouring Puducherry, could have committed suicide under the influence of the game. Further investigations were on, they added. The online game demands players to complete tasks given by an anonymous controller over 50 days with the final challenge to commit suicide. The game allegedly led to a spate of suicides in India and other countries last year. However, the government informed Lok Sabha in January this year that there was no evidence of anyone committing suicide due to the Blue Whale challenge game. A committee headed by the DG, Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-In), investigate cases of suicide committed or attempted allegedly using Blue Whale challenge game but could not establish the involvement of the game in any of the deaths, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir had said in a written reply. Recently, there have been reports of another similar killer game "momo" surfacing online with police in some states, including West Bengal and Odisha, cautioning schools and parents to ensure that children do not fall prey to it.

22-year old man falls victim to Blue Whale game?

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in India for 2+2 dialogue. The top US diplomat was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis are being hosted in Delhi by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This is the first ever 2+2 talks between the two nations.

The twice-delayed dialogue was earlier scheduled for July 6 in Washington, but was postponed by the US on June 27, citing "unavoidable reasons".

"We have a true strategic partner who, frankly, is our only major defence partner, right, the only designated major defense partner, with whom we have a great relationship and who is very important to our success in our Indo-Pacific strategy -- enormous country with incredible opportunity and capacity for wealth creation," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We hope we can find opportunities to continue to expand the relationship not only diplomatic and military-to-military but a good set of business relationships as well," he said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The twice-delayed dialogue was earlier scheduled for July 6 in Washington, but was postponed by the US on June 27, citing "unavoidable reasons".

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in India for 2+2 dialogue. The top US diplomat was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. #WATCH: United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, arrives in India for 2+2 dialogue received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/OQMGR2W4cT — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2018 × US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis are being hosted in Delhi by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This is the first ever 2+2 talks between the two nations. The twice-delayed dialogue was earlier scheduled for July 6 in Washington, but was postponed by the US on June 27, citing "unavoidable reasons". "We have a true strategic partner who, frankly, is our only major defence partner, right, the only designated major defense partner, with whom we have a great relationship and who is very important to our success in our Indo-Pacific strategy -- enormous country with incredible opportunity and capacity for wealth creation," Pompeo said. "We hope we can find opportunities to continue to expand the relationship not only diplomatic and military-to-military but a good set of business relationships as well," he said.

Watch: Sushma Swaraj receives Mike Pompeo upon his arrival in India for 2+2 dialogue

The government has rejected a proposal by Russia to set up a manufacturing facility in India for AK-series assault rifles in partnership with the Adani Group, official sources said.

The decision comes amid a controversy over the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale aircraft deal with France.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

The sources said Russia proposed the joint venture during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Moscow in April for production of AK-103 rifle.

AK-103 is a modernised variant of the AK-47 rifle, which is extensively used by India's armed forces.&nbsp

The sources said, according to existing policy, Russian defence firm Kalashnikov Concern can only partner government-owned Ordnance Factories for the project.

"The Russian proposal to partner with a private firm has been rejected. They have the option of joining hands with a government firm for the project," said a source.

The proposal from Russia came when the Army was aiming at procuring around 7 lakh rifles.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.&nbsp

The Congress has raised several questions about the deal including rates of the aircraft while the government has rejected the charges.

The decision comes amid a controversy over the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale aircraft deal with France.

The government has rejected a proposal by Russia to set up a manufacturing facility in India for AK-series assault rifles in partnership with the Adani Group, official sources said. The decision comes amid a controversy over the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale aircraft deal with France. The sources said Russia proposed the joint venture during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Moscow in April for production of AK-103 rifle. AK-103 is a modernised variant of the AK-47 rifle, which is extensively used by India's armed forces. The sources said, according to existing policy, Russian defence firm Kalashnikov Concern can only partner government-owned Ordnance Factories for the project. "The Russian proposal to partner with a private firm has been rejected. They have the option of joining hands with a government firm for the project," said a source. The proposal from Russia came when the Army was aiming at procuring around 7 lakh rifles. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The Congress has raised several questions about the deal including rates of the aircraft while the government has rejected the charges.

Russian proposal for joint venture for production of AK rifles rejected

As doctors expressed concern over the health of Hardik Patel, the Gujarat government stepped up its efforts to persuade the Patidar leader to end his <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/your-services-needed-deve-gowda-writes-to-hardik-patel-asks-him-to-end-hunger-strike-163450">indefinite hunger strike</a> which entered the&nbsp;twelfth day on Wednesday.

Hardik had launched his fast on August 25 for demands, including farm loan waiver and reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector.

The BJP-led state government held a meeting with several key leaders of the Patidar community at Gandhinagar Tuesday night, hours after doctors expressed concern over the health of Patel who has lost almost 20 kgs of weight in the last eleven days.

The doctors attached to the Sola civil hospital said Hardik had lost weight and should get admitted to hospital.

After meeting Patidar leaders associated with six different bodies of the community, Energy Minister Saurabh Patel said the government's priority is to ensure that the Patidar leader calls off his hunger strike.

Revenue minister Kaushik Patel and Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja also spoke with Patidar leaders associated with Vishwa Umiya Foundation, Umiya Mata Sansthan and Khodaldham Trust among others.

"During the meeting, we conveyed that the government is worried about Hardik Patel. We appealed to the leaders to persuade Hardik Patel to end his fast. The leaders have promised us that they would meet Hardik Patel in this regard," the energy minister said after the meeting.

C K Patel, who led the delegation of Patidar leaders, told reporters that they would convey the feelings of the government to the 25-year-old quota spearhead.

"This is just a first meeting over many issues of Patidars. Such meetings will take place in the future too. The government showed a positive approach to many of our demands. We will meet Hardik to convince him to end his fast," he told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Saurabh Patel had claimed that Hardik Patel's quota movement was a politically-motivated agitation with the backing of the Congress.

Meanwhile, more support poured in for Hardik Patel Tuesday, as former Union minister Yashwant Sinha along with Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha met him at his residence near here and extended their support.

After the meeting, Yashwant Sinha announced that he would take Hardik's agitation, particularly with regard to farmers, to the national level.

"During my short meeting with Hardik, it has been decided that we will take this agitation to the national level and fight strongly. Not just Gujarat, we will take this movement to every corner of the country," Sinha told reporters.

"The issues on which Hardik Patel is holding fast have created an impact across the country. The issues are being discussed everywhere," he added.

While the former Union finance minister maintained that he and others were with Hardik in his "fight for farmers", he also opined that the government should pay attention to the demand of reservation.

Responding to a query on caste quota, Sinha said the Union government should chart out a way forward as people from various communities who were outside the scope of reservation have demanded it.

"The Central government should think about this. It has formed a backward class commission. It should think on how to take this matter forward. As far as possible, we should try to work to improve (lives) of many communities who have lagged behind, as per Constitution," he said.

Shatrughan Sinha said their meeting with Hardik was not politically motivated.

"We gathered here in a non-political capacity on the basis of humanity. We are here because our aim is to construct the temple of humanity. We have no objection on mandir-masjid (sic)," he said.

He alleged that the BJP governments in Centre and Gujarat were not bothered even as the entire Patidar community was worried about Hardik.

"When farmers' loans can be waived in other BJP-ruled states, why it cannot happen in Gujarat? Farmers must get justice. I appeal to the government to waive farm loans," Shatrughan Sinha said, adding democracy needs to be strengthened to fight autocracy.

Meanwhile, the state government Tuesday told the Gujarat High Court that it was not trying to suppress or "demoralise" the agitation of Hardik Patel.

The government, in a written reply, said it was only trying to ensure that there was no violence such as witnessed during the Patidar quota agitation three years ago.&nbsp;

The Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) led by Hardik Patel has moved the high court, alleging that police were not letting people enter the bungalow on the outskirts of Ahmedabad where the quota leader is on hunger strike since August 25.

Hardik had launched his hunger strike on the third anniversary of his mega pro-quota rally in Ahmedabad.

He had on Sunday released his "will" in which he divided his property among his parents, sister, 14 youths killed during the quota agitation in 2015 and a 'panjrapole' (shelter for ill and old cows) near his village.

Apart from the Congress, leaders and representatives of the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM) have visited Hardik at his residence and extended their support.&nbsp;

Hardik has lost almost 20 kgs in the last eleven days. He has been on hunger strike since August 25 demanding reservations for his Patidar community and a waiver of farmers' loans

As doctors expressed concern over the health of Hardik Patel, the Gujarat government stepped up its efforts to persuade the Patidar leader to end his indefinite hunger strike which entered the twelfth day on Wednesday. Hardik had launched his fast on August 25 for demands, including farm loan waiver and reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector. The BJP-led state government held a meeting with several key leaders of the Patidar community at Gandhinagar Tuesday night, hours after doctors expressed concern over the health of Patel who has lost almost 20 kgs of weight in the last eleven days. The doctors attached to the Sola civil hospital said Hardik had lost weight and should get admitted to hospital. After meeting Patidar leaders associated with six different bodies of the community, Energy Minister Saurabh Patel said the government's priority is to ensure that the Patidar leader calls off his hunger strike. Revenue minister Kaushik Patel and Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja also spoke with Patidar leaders associated with Vishwa Umiya Foundation, Umiya Mata Sansthan and Khodaldham Trust among others. "During the meeting, we conveyed that the government is worried about Hardik Patel. We appealed to the leaders to persuade Hardik Patel to end his fast. The leaders have promised us that they would meet Hardik Patel in this regard," the energy minister said after the meeting. C K Patel, who led the delegation of Patidar leaders, told reporters that they would convey the feelings of the government to the 25-year-old quota spearhead. "This is just a first meeting over many issues of Patidars. Such meetings will take place in the future too. The government showed a positive approach to many of our demands. We will meet Hardik to convince him to end his fast," he told reporters. Earlier in the day, Saurabh Patel had claimed that Hardik Patel's quota movement was a politically-motivated agitation with the backing of the Congress. Meanwhile, more support poured in for Hardik Patel Tuesday, as former Union minister Yashwant Sinha along with Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha met him at his residence near here and extended their support. After the meeting, Yashwant Sinha announced that he would take Hardik's agitation, particularly with regard to farmers, to the national level. "During my short meeting with Hardik, it has been decided that we will take this agitation to the national level and fight strongly. Not just Gujarat, we will take this movement to every corner of the country," Sinha told reporters. "The issues on which Hardik Patel is holding fast have created an impact across the country. The issues are being discussed everywhere," he added. While the former Union finance minister maintained that he and others were with Hardik in his "fight for farmers", he also opined that the government should pay attention to the demand of reservation. Responding to a query on caste quota, Sinha said the Union government should chart out a way forward as people from various communities who were outside the scope of reservation have demanded it. "The Central government should think about this. It has formed a backward class commission. It should think on how to take this matter forward. As far as possible, we should try to work to improve (lives) of many communities who have lagged behind, as per Constitution," he said. Shatrughan Sinha said their meeting with Hardik was not politically motivated. "We gathered here in a non-political capacity on the basis of humanity. We are here because our aim is to construct the temple of humanity. We have no objection on mandir-masjid (sic)," he said. He alleged that the BJP governments in Centre and Gujarat were not bothered even as the entire Patidar community was worried about Hardik. "When farmers' loans can be waived in other BJP-ruled states, why it cannot happen in Gujarat? Farmers must get justice. I appeal to the government to waive farm loans," Shatrughan Sinha said, adding democracy needs to be strengthened to fight autocracy. Meanwhile, the state government Tuesday told the Gujarat High Court that it was not trying to suppress or "demoralise" the agitation of Hardik Patel. The government, in a written reply, said it was only trying to ensure that there was no violence such as witnessed during the Patidar quota agitation three years ago. The Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) led by Hardik Patel has moved the high court, alleging that police were not letting people enter the bungalow on the outskirts of Ahmedabad where the quota leader is on hunger strike since August 25. Hardik had launched his hunger strike on the third anniversary of his mega pro-quota rally in Ahmedabad. He had on Sunday released his "will" in which he divided his property among his parents, sister, 14 youths killed during the quota agitation in 2015 and a 'panjrapole' (shelter for ill and old cows) near his village. Apart from the Congress, leaders and representatives of the Aam Aadmi Party, Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM) have visited Hardik at his residence and extended their support.

Hardik Patel hunger strike: As doctors express concern, Gujarat government steps in

Flood-ravaged Kerala is facing shortages of a drug that fights an infectious bacterial disease after the worst flooding in a century, forcing authorities to turn to other states to help ramp up supplies.

Suspected cases of leptospirosis, a waterborne disease known locally as `rat fever`, has climbed to 800 since mid-August, a health ministry spokesman said. Transmitted via the urine of infected animals, its symptoms include muscle pain and fever.

Confirmed deaths caused by leptospirosis so far total 12, while suspected deaths, pending full medical reports, number 41, the spokesman added.

The surge in cases comes after torrential rain beginning on August 8 flooded almost the entire state, killing hundreds of people, destroying thousands of homes and causing at least 200 billion rupees ($2.81 billion) worth of damage.

Kozhikode district, one of the worst hit by rat fever, is staring at supply shortages as demand for the preventive drug shot up, following a few deaths locally.

Kozhikode corporation needs about 3 million tablets over the next two months, but currently has about 500,000 in stock, said R.S. Gopakumar, its health officer.

"We have got supplies, but the stocks have been depleting fast," Gopakumar said, as more people are demanding the preventive tablets, which need to be taken once a week for a month.

"Supply shortages are being replenished. Of course the demand has shot up, but we are monitoring daily," said Saritha R.L., the state`s director of health service.

The state government has sought help from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states, Gopakumar said.

The shortages are, however, not felt across the state.

Palakkad district, bordered on the east by Tamil Nadu, has plenty of stocks, as its proximity to the neighbouring state helped in faster transportation of medical supplies.

"We have excess supply," said Reetha K.P, district medical officer of Palakkad.

Reetha does not expect a major jump in leptospirosis cases locally, and the district is focusing on vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever instead, as stagnant water breeds mosquitoes.

"We are busy with source reduction activities...," she said, adding that, unlike leptospirosis, dengue had no preventive vaccine. "All we can do is to keep the intake of fluids high.

Suspected cases of leptospirosis, a waterborne disease known locally as `rat fever`, has climbed to 800 since mid-August, a health ministry spokesman said. Transmitted via the urine of infected animals, its symptoms include muscle pain and fever.

Flood-ravaged Kerala is facing shortages of a drug that fights an infectious bacterial disease after the worst flooding in a century, forcing authorities to turn to other states to help ramp up supplies. Suspected cases of leptospirosis, a waterborne disease known locally as `rat fever`, has climbed to 800 since mid-August, a health ministry spokesman said. Transmitted via the urine of infected animals, its symptoms include muscle pain and fever. Confirmed deaths caused by leptospirosis so far total 12, while suspected deaths, pending full medical reports, number 41, the spokesman added. The surge in cases comes after torrential rain beginning on August 8 flooded almost the entire state, killing hundreds of people, destroying thousands of homes and causing at least 200 billion rupees ($2.81 billion) worth of damage. Kozhikode district, one of the worst hit by rat fever, is staring at supply shortages as demand for the preventive drug shot up, following a few deaths locally. Kozhikode corporation needs about 3 million tablets over the next two months, but currently has about 500,000 in stock, said R.S. Gopakumar, its health officer. "We have got supplies, but the stocks have been depleting fast," Gopakumar said, as more people are demanding the preventive tablets, which need to be taken once a week for a month. "Supply shortages are being replenished. Of course the demand has shot up, but we are monitoring daily," said Saritha R.L., the state`s director of health service. The state government has sought help from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states, Gopakumar said. The shortages are, however, not felt across the state. Palakkad district, bordered on the east by Tamil Nadu, has plenty of stocks, as its proximity to the neighbouring state helped in faster transportation of medical supplies. "We have excess supply," said Reetha K.P, district medical officer of Palakkad. Reetha does not expect a major jump in leptospirosis cases locally, and the district is focusing on vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever instead, as stagnant water breeds mosquitoes. "We are busy with source reduction activities...," she said, adding that, unlike leptospirosis, dengue had no preventive vaccine. "All we can do is to keep the intake of fluids high.

Flood-hit Kerala faces shortages of 'rat fever' drug

The Centre has constituted a five-member expert committee to determine the quantum of compensation to be given to patients who have "faulty" hip implants, manufactured by DePuy International, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson.

Apart from the five-member expert panel, the Union Health Ministry has asked states and union territories to constitute separate committees so that they can receive such complaints from affected patients.

In a letter, the ministry has asked the states and UTs to bring out advertisements in newspapers so that the affected patients can approach the state-level committee or the state drug controller concerned.

The move comes after a panel, constituted earlier by the Union Health Ministry to investigate complaints about articular surface replacement (ASR) hip implant devices, said in its report that the pharma giant "suppressed" facts on the harm of surgeries afterwards which was conducted on patients in India using "faulty" hip replacement systems.

It had also suggested that the company pay compensation of around Rs 20 lakh to the affected patients. Some of the patients who had suffered due to the faulty implants had questioned the panel's recommendation of the paltry amount, saying it was like "rubbing salt into their wounds".

The Health Ministry, in its order dated August 30, has asked the central expert committee to submit its recommendation to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) within 45 days of receiving recommendations from the state-level panels.

The order said a committee under the Chairmanship of Arun Kumar Aggarwal has given its report which has been accepted by the central government with certain modifications.

"Now the central government has decided to constitute a central expert committee to determine the quantum of compensation, as admissible under the law, in respect of faulty ASR hip implants manufactured by M/s DePuy International Limited, UK and implanted in India," the order said.

The five-member committee will be chaired by R K Arya, director, Sports Injury Centre, Safdurjung Hospital. C S Yadav, department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS in New Delhi Vineet Sharma, Head of Department of Orthopaedics, King George's Medical University in Lucknow Bikas Medhi, professor pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and Bhushan Tilak Kaul, professor of law in Delhi University, will be its members.

"The committee may co-opt any other member and invite other experts to assist it in the examination of the matter," the order said.

According to reports, the expert committee findings say that over 3,600 patients with the faulty implants remain untraceable, and that at least four deaths have been reported from those who underwent surgeries using these devices.

"...Action by state governments and UTs is required on the following points - constitution of state level committee...Which should comprise two orthopaedic surgeons or physical medical rehabilitation experts from government medical college and hospital, one radiologists from government hospital and a Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) zonal or sub-zonal office representative and drug controller of respective state as member secretary.

"Advertisements are to be brought out by respective state governments/UTs in newspapers so that affected persons can approach the state level committee or the concerned state drug controller who would be the member secretary of the committee," the letter to states said.

Drugs Controller General of India Eswara Reddy told PTI, "Once the state committees assess the grievance of the patients, they can give their recommendations to the central expert committee which has been formed. Once the five-member central expert committee gives its recommendations, we can take the process of providing compensation forward."

Responding to the development, Vijay Vojhala, who suffered due to faulty implants, said, "The track record of the government on transparency and accountability to patients in the process leading up to this has been abysmal."&nbsp

"Moving forward from here we need utmost transparency. We also ask (from the government) that there is participation of patients in committees. Else this would lack credibility," Vojhala said.

The Campaign for Affordable and Dignified Affordable Healthcare said, "Coming after unconscionable delay by CDSCO, which has prolonged suffering of patients, we hope the compensation mechanism is enforceable." 
The campaign said the regulator should not have allowed a voluntary recall but rather a mandatory recall based on the high failure rate.

"It remains to be seen whether the compensation will be just compensation as recommended by the expert committee as the quantum is likely to fall much short of what Johnson and Johnson compensated patients in the US," the campaign said.&nbsp

Apart from the five-member expert panel, the Union Health Ministry has asked states and union territories to constitute separate committees so that they can receive such complaints from affected patients.

The Centre has constituted a five-member expert committee to determine the quantum of compensation to be given to patients who have "faulty" hip implants, manufactured by DePuy International, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. Apart from the five-member expert panel, the Union Health Ministry has asked states and union territories to constitute separate committees so that they can receive such complaints from affected patients. In a letter, the ministry has asked the states and UTs to bring out advertisements in newspapers so that the affected patients can approach the state-level committee or the state drug controller concerned. The move comes after a panel, constituted earlier by the Union Health Ministry to investigate complaints about articular surface replacement (ASR) hip implant devices, said in its report that the pharma giant "suppressed" facts on the harm of surgeries afterwards which was conducted on patients in India using "faulty" hip replacement systems. It had also suggested that the company pay compensation of around Rs 20 lakh to the affected patients. Some of the patients who had suffered due to the faulty implants had questioned the panel's recommendation of the paltry amount, saying it was like "rubbing salt into their wounds". The Health Ministry, in its order dated August 30, has asked the central expert committee to submit its recommendation to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) within 45 days of receiving recommendations from the state-level panels. The order said a committee under the Chairmanship of Arun Kumar Aggarwal has given its report which has been accepted by the central government with certain modifications. "Now the central government has decided to constitute a central expert committee to determine the quantum of compensation, as admissible under the law, in respect of faulty ASR hip implants manufactured by M/s DePuy International Limited, UK and implanted in India," the order said. The five-member committee will be chaired by R K Arya, director, Sports Injury Centre, Safdurjung Hospital. C S Yadav, department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS in New Delhi Vineet Sharma, Head of Department of Orthopaedics, King George's Medical University in Lucknow Bikas Medhi, professor pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and Bhushan Tilak Kaul, professor of law in Delhi University, will be its members. "The committee may co-opt any other member and invite other experts to assist it in the examination of the matter," the order said. According to reports, the expert committee findings say that over 3,600 patients with the faulty implants remain untraceable, and that at least four deaths have been reported from those who underwent surgeries using these devices. "...Action by state governments and UTs is required on the following points - constitution of state level committee...Which should comprise two orthopaedic surgeons or physical medical rehabilitation experts from government medical college and hospital, one radiologists from government hospital and a Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) zonal or sub-zonal office representative and drug controller of respective state as member secretary. "Advertisements are to be brought out by respective state governments/UTs in newspapers so that affected persons can approach the state level committee or the concerned state drug controller who would be the member secretary of the committee," the letter to states said. Drugs Controller General of India Eswara Reddy told PTI, "Once the state committees assess the grievance of the patients, they can give their recommendations to the central expert committee which has been formed. Once the five-member central expert committee gives its recommendations, we can take the process of providing compensation forward." Responding to the development, Vijay Vojhala, who suffered due to faulty implants, said, "The track record of the government on transparency and accountability to patients in the process leading up to this has been abysmal." "Moving forward from here we need utmost transparency. We also ask (from the government) that there is participation of patients in committees. Else this would lack credibility," Vojhala said. The Campaign for Affordable and Dignified Affordable Healthcare said, "Coming after unconscionable delay by CDSCO, which has prolonged suffering of patients, we hope the compensation mechanism is enforceable." The campaign said the regulator should not have allowed a voluntary recall but rather a mandatory recall based on the high failure rate. "It remains to be seen whether the compensation will be just compensation as recommended by the expert committee as the quantum is likely to fall much short of what Johnson and Johnson compensated patients in the US," the campaign said.

Expert panel formed to determine compensation to patients who have faulty hip implants

UIDAI on Wednesday asked schools not to refuse admission to students for lack of Aadhaar and said such denials are "invalid" and "not permitted under the law".

Taking a stern view of cases where few schools had denied admission to children in absence of Aadhaar, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said "it must be ensured that no children are deprived/denied of their due benefits or rights for want of Aadhaar".

The move by the UIDAI is expected to offer relief to parents and students who are left in a lurch when schools insist on Aadhaar number at the time of admission.

For children who are not yet assigned an Aadhaar number or those whose biometrics are not updated in the database, the UIDAI has asserted that under Aadhaar rules it will be the "responsibility" of schools to arrange for enrolments and biometric update facility for such students.&nbsp

The nodal body for Aadhaar has also exhorted schools to coordinate with local banks, post offices, state education department and district administration, to facilitate special camps for such enrolment and updation to take place.&nbsp

In fact, the Aadhaar-issuing body has said that it is "obligatory" on the states to arrange - through its education department and district administration - the Aadhaar enrolment camp in all schools at least twice a year. A roster should be drawn up for this, it added.

In a statement, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said that it is the responsibility of the schools to hold special camps in coordination with local banks, post offices, state education department and district administration to facilitate the entire process.

A UIDAI circular addressed to Chief Secretaries of States/Lt Governor of UTs said: "Some instances have come to our notice that few schools are denying admission to children for want of Aadhaar. Such denials are invalid and not permitted under the law."&nbsp

It instructed schools to ensure that no child is denied admission and other facilities for lack of Aadhaar.

The UIDAI said since the 12-digit identifier is being sought from school children for admission, obtaining scholarships and attending boards, competitive and others examinations, it is important that schools provide Aadhaar enrolment and biometric update facility to students, so they do not face any difficulty.&nbsp

Also, mandatory update of biometrics in Aadhaar is required for children on attaining the age of 5-15 years to ascertain validity of their Aadhaar number assigned earlier, said the circular seen by PTI.

"Till Aadhaar number is assigned or biometrics are updated for such students all facilities should be extended through alternate means of identification...," the UIDAI has said.

The move by the UIDAI is expected to offer relief to parents and students who are left in a lurch when schools insist on Aadhaar number at the time of admission.

UIDAI on Wednesday asked schools not to refuse admission to students for lack of Aadhaar and said such denials are "invalid" and "not permitted under the law". Taking a stern view of cases where few schools had denied admission to children in absence of Aadhaar, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said "it must be ensured that no children are deprived/denied of their due benefits or rights for want of Aadhaar". The move by the UIDAI is expected to offer relief to parents and students who are left in a lurch when schools insist on Aadhaar number at the time of admission. For children who are not yet assigned an Aadhaar number or those whose biometrics are not updated in the database, the UIDAI has asserted that under Aadhaar rules it will be the "responsibility" of schools to arrange for enrolments and biometric update facility for such students. The nodal body for Aadhaar has also exhorted schools to coordinate with local banks, post offices, state education department and district administration, to facilitate special camps for such enrolment and updation to take place. In fact, the Aadhaar-issuing body has said that it is "obligatory" on the states to arrange - through its education department and district administration - the Aadhaar enrolment camp in all schools at least twice a year. A roster should be drawn up for this, it added. In a statement, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said that it is the responsibility of the schools to hold special camps in coordination with local banks, post offices, state education department and district administration to facilitate the entire process. A UIDAI circular addressed to Chief Secretaries of States/Lt Governor of UTs said: "Some instances have come to our notice that few schools are denying admission to children for want of Aadhaar. Such denials are invalid and not permitted under the law." It instructed schools to ensure that no child is denied admission and other facilities for lack of Aadhaar. The UIDAI said since the 12-digit identifier is being sought from school children for admission, obtaining scholarships and attending boards, competitive and others examinations, it is important that schools provide Aadhaar enrolment and biometric update facility to students, so they do not face any difficulty. Also, mandatory update of biometrics in Aadhaar is required for children on attaining the age of 5-15 years to ascertain validity of their Aadhaar number assigned earlier, said the circular seen by PTI. "Till Aadhaar number is assigned or biometrics are updated for such students all facilities should be extended through alternate means of identification...," the UIDAI has said.

Schools cannot deny admission for lack of Aadhaar: UIDAI

One person drowned and 23 others are missing after a motorised country boat, carrying about 36 passengers, capsized in the Brahmaputra river&nbsp;on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported quoting an official.

Twelve people swam to safety, and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and NDRF personnel have recovered one body so far, Kamrup Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kumar Baishya said, adding that rescue operations were underway.

However, news agency ANI report said 45 people where onboard when the boat capsized.&nbsp;

The incident occurred when the engine of the boat developed a snag and hit a rock near the bank of the Ashwaklanta Temple around 2 pm, Baishya was quoted as saying.

Only 22 passengers had valid tickets and the boat was overcrowded, with 18 motorcycles on it, Baishya, who was supervising the rescue operations at the site, said.

According to eyewitnesses, there were several women and children among the passengers.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a>: A boat with about 45 passengers capsized in Brahmaputra river in North Guwahati. Police&SDRF teams have rushed to the spot. Rescue operation underway. <a href="https://t.co/2Yh6S3X5or">pic.twitter.com/2Yh6S3X5or</a>
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The incident occurred when the engine of the boat developed a snag and hit a rock near the bank of the Ashwaklanta Temple around 2 pm

One person drowned and 23 others are missing after a motorised country boat, carrying about 36 passengers, capsized in the Brahmaputra river on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported quoting an official. Twelve people swam to safety, and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and NDRF personnel have recovered one body so far, Kamrup Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kumar Baishya said, adding that rescue operations were underway. However, news agency ANI report said 45 people where onboard when the boat capsized. The incident occurred when the engine of the boat developed a snag and hit a rock near the bank of the Ashwaklanta Temple around 2 pm, Baishya was quoted as saying. Only 22 passengers had valid tickets and the boat was overcrowded, with 18 motorcycles on it, Baishya, who was supervising the rescue operations at the site, said. According to eyewitnesses, there were several women and children among the passengers. #Assam: A boat with about 45 passengers capsized in Brahmaputra river in North Guwahati. Police&SDRF teams have rushed to the spot. Rescue operation underway. pic.twitter.com/2Yh6S3X5or — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2018 ×

Several missing as boat capsizes in Brahmaputra river in Assam

Supreme Court will finally pronounce their verdict on Section 377 tomorrow, September 6 at 10:30 am.&nbsp;

The case is being heard by the newly reconstituted five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprises of Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra.&nbsp;

On July 17, the Apex Court had reserved its verdict on whether to decriminalise Section 377, the archaic law which criminalises homosexuality. The SC asked all the counsel who argued for and against 377 to submit their written submissions.&nbsp;

Section 377 refers to "unnatural offences" and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse "against the order of nature" with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The issue of section 377 was first raised by an NGO, Naaz Foundation, which had in 2001 approached the Delhi High Court that had decriminalised sex between consenting adults of the same gender by holding the penal provision "illegal".

This 2009 judgement of the high court was overturned in 2013 by the apex court which had also dismissed a review plea. It had in 2013 restored the criminality of the sexual relationship between persons of the same sex, after the Delhi High Court' had decriminalised it in 2009.

The five-judge bench on July 10 had made it clear that it was not going into the curative petitions and would adjudicate on fresh writ petitions in the matter.

The writ petitions were opposed by the Apostolic Alliance of Churches, Utkal Christian Association and some other NGOs and individuals including Suresh Kumar Kaushal who had also challenged the 2009 verdict of the high court in the apex court.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce on Thursday its much-awaited verdict on a clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual gay sex.

Supreme Court will finally pronounce their verdict on Section 377 tomorrow, September 6 at 10:30 am. The case is being heard by the newly reconstituted five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprises of Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. On July 17, the Apex Court had reserved its verdict on whether to decriminalise Section 377, the archaic law which criminalises homosexuality. The SC asked all the counsel who argued for and against 377 to submit their written submissions. Section 377 refers to "unnatural offences" and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse "against the order of nature" with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine. The issue of section 377 was first raised by an NGO, Naaz Foundation, which had in 2001 approached the Delhi High Court that had decriminalised sex between consenting adults of the same gender by holding the penal provision "illegal". This 2009 judgement of the high court was overturned in 2013 by the apex court which had also dismissed a review plea. It had in 2013 restored the criminality of the sexual relationship between persons of the same sex, after the Delhi High Court' had decriminalised it in 2009. The five-judge bench on July 10 had made it clear that it was not going into the curative petitions and would adjudicate on fresh writ petitions in the matter. The writ petitions were opposed by the Apostolic Alliance of Churches, Utkal Christian Association and some other NGOs and individuals including Suresh Kumar Kaushal who had also challenged the 2009 verdict of the high court in the apex court. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court likely to pronounce verdict on pleas challenging validity of Section 377 on September 6

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Wednesday slammed the Maharashtra police for holding a press conference last week over the arrest of five Left-wing activists in multi-city raids for alleged Maoist links and favoured timely filing of chargesheet rather than labelling the accused as "Urban Naxals".

He said the government should submit evidence in the court instead of revealing everything before the media.

Instead of labelling the accused as 'Urban Naxals' or 'Hindu terrorists', charge sheets should be filed in time, Thackeray said while referring to the cases involving the five activists as also to the probe into recent seizure of explosives across state for which some people allegedly associated with right-wing groups have been arrested.

"A new system has started, wherein the police reveals everything before the court takes a decision. Even the court has expressed its displeasure over this... If what you're doing is right, submit evidence before the court soon," the Sena chief told reporters here after a meeting with his party leaders.

On Friday last week, State Additional Director General (Law and Order) Parambir Singh along with the Pune police had addressed the media in connection with the arrest of five activists.

During the press conference, Singh had read out letters purportedly exchanged between the activists and had claimed the police had "conclusive proof" to link the Left-wing activists arrested in June and last week to Maoists.

Pune police had on August 28 raided homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested five of them -- Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, Sudha Bharadwaj in Faridabad and Gautam Navalakha in Delhi.

The raids were carried out as part of a probe into the Elgaar Parishad event on December 31 last year, which was followed by violence at Koregaon-Bhima in Pune district the next day.

Separately, the Maharashtra ATS last month arrested five persons after explosives were seized from different places in the state, which according to the police were to be used to trigger blasts at various places. 
 
Thackeray said since terrorism has no religion, why should those arrested be labelled either as 'Hindu terrorists or Urban Naxals'.

"Whether you call them Urban Naxals or blame the Sanathan Sanstha, chargesheet should be filed against them in time," he said.

"Why have all of them become active during this government's tenure? If a pro-Hindutva government is in power in the country, why are Hindu terrorists, if at all they are, springing up now," he said.

Thackeray also slammed the central government over what he called the "failed" note ban decision and said, "Who will take the responsibility of the loss to the country's economy and of the people who died while standing in queues? Will you accept this was a mistake?"

Thackeray also said he had called Gujarat's Patidar leader Hardik Patel and expressed his solidarity with him over his ongoing hunger strike.

"I have extended my support to him and told him we need fighters like you. I also requested him to withdraw his hunger strike," Thackeray said.

Patel has been on an indefinite fast in Ahmedabad since August 25 with demands including farm loan waiver and reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector.&nbsp

Thackeray said since terrorism has no religion, why should those arrested be labelled either as 'Hindu terrorists or Urban Naxals'.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Wednesday slammed the Maharashtra police for holding a press conference last week over the arrest of five Left-wing activists in multi-city raids for alleged Maoist links and favoured timely filing of chargesheet rather than labelling the accused as "Urban Naxals". He said the government should submit evidence in the court instead of revealing everything before the media. Instead of labelling the accused as 'Urban Naxals' or 'Hindu terrorists', charge sheets should be filed in time, Thackeray said while referring to the cases involving the five activists as also to the probe into recent seizure of explosives across state for which some people allegedly associated with right-wing groups have been arrested. "A new system has started, wherein the police reveals everything before the court takes a decision. Even the court has expressed its displeasure over this... If what you're doing is right, submit evidence before the court soon," the Sena chief told reporters here after a meeting with his party leaders. On Friday last week, State Additional Director General (Law and Order) Parambir Singh along with the Pune police had addressed the media in connection with the arrest of five activists. During the press conference, Singh had read out letters purportedly exchanged between the activists and had claimed the police had "conclusive proof" to link the Left-wing activists arrested in June and last week to Maoists. Pune police had on August 28 raided homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested five of them -- Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, Sudha Bharadwaj in Faridabad and Gautam Navalakha in Delhi. The raids were carried out as part of a probe into the Elgaar Parishad event on December 31 last year, which was followed by violence at Koregaon-Bhima in Pune district the next day. Separately, the Maharashtra ATS last month arrested five persons after explosives were seized from different places in the state, which according to the police were to be used to trigger blasts at various places. Thackeray said since terrorism has no religion, why should those arrested be labelled either as 'Hindu terrorists or Urban Naxals'. "Whether you call them Urban Naxals or blame the Sanathan Sanstha, chargesheet should be filed against them in time," he said. "Why have all of them become active during this government's tenure? If a pro-Hindutva government is in power in the country, why are Hindu terrorists, if at all they are, springing up now," he said. Thackeray also slammed the central government over what he called the "failed" note ban decision and said, "Who will take the responsibility of the loss to the country's economy and of the people who died while standing in queues? Will you accept this was a mistake?" Thackeray also said he had called Gujarat's Patidar leader Hardik Patel and expressed his solidarity with him over his ongoing hunger strike. "I have extended my support to him and told him we need fighters like you. I also requested him to withdraw his hunger strike," Thackeray said. Patel has been on an indefinite fast in Ahmedabad since August 25 with demands including farm loan waiver and reservation for the Patidar community under OBC category in government jobs and education sector.

File chargesheets fast rather than labelling accused as Urban Naxals or Hindu Terrorists: Uddhav

Former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt was arrested Wednesday by the Gujarat CID in connection with a 22-year-old case of alleged planting of drugs to arrest a man, police said.

Bhatt and seven others, including some former policemen attached with the Banaskantha Police, were initially detained for questioning in the case.

Shortly after being questioned, Bhatt was arrested by the Crime Investigation Department while others are still kept under detention, Director General of Police, CID, Ashish Bhatia said.

Bhatt was the Banaskantha district superintendent of police in 1996. He was dismissed from the service in 2015.

As per the case details, the Banaskantha Police under Bhatt had arrested one Sumersingh Rajpurohit, an advocate, in 1996 on charges of possessing around one kg of drugs.

At that time, the Banaskantha Police had claimed that drugs were found in a hotel room occupied by Rajpurohit in the district's Palanpur town.

However, a probe by the Rajasthan Police had revealed that Rajpurohit was allegedly falsely implicated by the Banaskantha Police to compel him to transfer a disputed property at Pali in Rajasthan.

It had also found that Rajpurohit was allegedly abducted by the Banaskantha Police from his residence at Pali in Rajasthan.

Following the Rajasthan Police's investigation, former police inspector of Banaskantha, I B Vyas, had moved the Gujarat High Court in 1999 demanding a thorough inquiry into the matter.

In June this year, the high court had handed over the probe in the case to the CID while hearing the petition.

The high court had asked the CID to complete the probe in three months.

Bhatt was in August 2015 sacked by the union home ministry on grounds of "unauthorised absence" from service. He has been a vocal critic of the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platforms.

Bhatt had last week met Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who is on an indefinite fast since August 25 at his residence demanding reservation for his community and farm loan waiver.

Recently, the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation razed illegal construction at Bhatt's residence here after the Supreme Court dismissed his plea seeking a stay on the demolition.

Bhatt had several run-ins with the BJP government in the past over the issue of the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

Bhatt last week met Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who is on an indefinite fast since August 25 at his residence demanding reservation for his community and farm loan waiver.

Former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt was arrested Wednesday by the Gujarat CID in connection with a 22-year-old case of alleged planting of drugs to arrest a man, police said. Bhatt and seven others, including some former policemen attached with the Banaskantha Police, were initially detained for questioning in the case. Shortly after being questioned, Bhatt was arrested by the Crime Investigation Department while others are still kept under detention, Director General of Police, CID, Ashish Bhatia said. Bhatt was the Banaskantha district superintendent of police in 1996. He was dismissed from the service in 2015. As per the case details, the Banaskantha Police under Bhatt had arrested one Sumersingh Rajpurohit, an advocate, in 1996 on charges of possessing around one kg of drugs. At that time, the Banaskantha Police had claimed that drugs were found in a hotel room occupied by Rajpurohit in the district's Palanpur town. However, a probe by the Rajasthan Police had revealed that Rajpurohit was allegedly falsely implicated by the Banaskantha Police to compel him to transfer a disputed property at Pali in Rajasthan. It had also found that Rajpurohit was allegedly abducted by the Banaskantha Police from his residence at Pali in Rajasthan. Following the Rajasthan Police's investigation, former police inspector of Banaskantha, I B Vyas, had moved the Gujarat High Court in 1999 demanding a thorough inquiry into the matter. In June this year, the high court had handed over the probe in the case to the CID while hearing the petition. The high court had asked the CID to complete the probe in three months. Bhatt was in August 2015 sacked by the union home ministry on grounds of "unauthorised absence" from service. He has been a vocal critic of the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platforms. Bhatt had last week met Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who is on an indefinite fast since August 25 at his residence demanding reservation for his community and farm loan waiver. Recently, the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation razed illegal construction at Bhatt's residence here after the Supreme Court dismissed his plea seeking a stay on the demolition. Bhatt had several run-ins with the BJP government in the past over the issue of the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

Ex-IPS Sanjiv Bhatt arrested in 22-yr-old drug 'planting' case

Falling for the sixth straight session, the BSE Sensex shed about 140 points Wednesday to close at an over two-week low of 38,018.31 as investor sentiment remained bearish amid a plunging rupee and weak global cues.

The rupee crashed to a fresh record low of 71.96 against the US dollar in intra-day trade on the back of rising bond yields and crisis in emerging market currencies.

Market sentiment was further dampened after a monthly survey showed that India's services sector activity fell in August from July's 21-month peak as new business orders declined.

The seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index fell from July's peak of 54.2 to 51.5 in August owing to weakest growth in new work in three months.

The 30-share Sensex, after opening a shade higher and advancing to 38,250.61 in early trade, quickly slipped below the 38,000-mark.

It touched a low of 37,774.42 during the day, before finally ending at an over two-week low of 38,018.31 -- down 139.61 points or 0.37 per cent. It had lost 738.71 points in the previous five sessions.

The BSE benchmark is set for its longest string of losses in six months.

The 50-issue NSE Nifty too cracked below the 10,400-mark and hit a low of 11,393.85 before finishing 43.35 points, or 0.38 per cent down at 11,476.95.

Top losers were HUL, Kotak Bank, Bharti Airtel, RIL, HDFC, Hero Motocorp, Coal India, L&T, Infosys, TCS, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ONGC, PowerGrid and M&M, falling up to 2.45 per cent.

In contrast, Yes Bank, Vedanta, Adani Ports, Wipro, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Maruti Suzuki, ITC, Tata Steel, NTPC and SBI finished with gains of up to 2.93 per cent.

Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 21.41 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares to the tune of Rs 32.64 crore on Tuesday, provisional data showed.

BSE Sensex closed 139.61 points down at 38,018.31, while the Nifty 50 ended 43.35 points lower at 11,476.95.

Falling for the sixth straight session, the BSE Sensex shed about 140 points Wednesday to close at an over two-week low of 38,018.31 as investor sentiment remained bearish amid a plunging rupee and weak global cues. The rupee crashed to a fresh record low of 71.96 against the US dollar in intra-day trade on the back of rising bond yields and crisis in emerging market currencies. Market sentiment was further dampened after a monthly survey showed that India's services sector activity fell in August from July's 21-month peak as new business orders declined. The seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index fell from July's peak of 54.2 to 51.5 in August owing to weakest growth in new work in three months. The 30-share Sensex, after opening a shade higher and advancing to 38,250.61 in early trade, quickly slipped below the 38,000-mark. It touched a low of 37,774.42 during the day, before finally ending at an over two-week low of 38,018.31 -- down 139.61 points or 0.37 per cent. It had lost 738.71 points in the previous five sessions. The BSE benchmark is set for its longest string of losses in six months. The 50-issue NSE Nifty too cracked below the 10,400-mark and hit a low of 11,393.85 before finishing 43.35 points, or 0.38 per cent down at 11,476.95. Top losers were HUL, Kotak Bank, Bharti Airtel, RIL, HDFC, Hero Motocorp, Coal India, L&T, Infosys, TCS, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ONGC, PowerGrid and M&M, falling up to 2.45 per cent. In contrast, Yes Bank, Vedanta, Adani Ports, Wipro, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Maruti Suzuki, ITC, Tata Steel, NTPC and SBI finished with gains of up to 2.93 per cent. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net sold shares worth Rs 21.41 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares to the tune of Rs 32.64 crore on Tuesday, provisional data showed.

Sensex falls 140 points; Nifty ends below 11,500

Sacked DMK leader M K Alagiri's rally, billed as a "massive show of strength" to press for his re-induction, was a tame affair Wednesday with the usually abrasive son of M Karunanidhi sparing party chief M K Stalin any criticism, a move seen as extending an olive branch to his younger brother.

Alagiri, a former union minister who was expelled from the party by his father and the then DMK boss Karunanidhi in 2014 at the height of the siblings' tussle for supremacy, was expected to breathe fire and brimstone at the rally ostensibly called to show his strength but the event ended not with a bang but a whimper.

The once strongman of Madurai, clad in a black shirt and dhoti as a mark of mourning for his father, was said to have mustered around 10,000 people for the rally that began from Wallajah Road junction and concluded at Karunanidhi's mausoleum on the Marina beach, 1.5 km away.

He stood on an open-top van with his loyalists holding banners hailing him as 'Anjanenjar' (Braveheart).

Alagiri's close family members--son Durai Dayanidhi and daugther Kayalvizhi-- besides a few hardcore loyalists, including former deputy mayor of Madurai Corporation P M Mannan, also wore black for the occasion, and followed him to Karunanidhi's grave where they paid floral tributes to the DMK stalwart.

Contrary to expectations, not a single DMK functionary was present. The DMK had recently sacked a village level leader Ravi for shaking hands with Alagiri.

No speeches were delivered nor any grand action plan announced, but Alagiri showed some of his characteristic belligerence when he dared the DMK leadership to sack partymen supporting him.

"Over 1.5 lakh people attended the rally. You ask them (DMK) if they will act against all of them," Alagiri told reporters.

"There is no intention behind the rally other than paying homage to Kalaignar," he said. Karunanidhi was often referred to as 'Kalaignar' (the artiste) or 'Thalaivar' (the leader) by his ardent supporters.

Days ahead of the rally, Alagiri, locked in a running feud with Stalin over succession, had made a climbdown and said he was ready to accept his younger sibling as his leader if the party reinducted him.

The Karunanidhi family projected a united picture when the DMK chief was fighting a battle for life in a Chennai hospital for 11 days before his death on August 7.

However, days after his death the bitter succession war erupted again with Alagiri claiming "all true and loyal supporters of Kalaignar" were with him. 
Alagiri, who was leading a life of political exile in Madurai away from media glare, had even warned that the DMK will dig its own "grave" if it did not take him back.

However, Stalin's election as DMK president on August 28 apparently made Alagiri rethink his plans and end political grandstanding.

Sending out a signal that he was prepared to bury the hatchet just two days after Stalin's elevation, Alagiri said he was ready to accept the leadership of his younger brother if he was readmitted into the party.

"When we desire to be inducted into the party, we must then accept the (Stalin's) leadership. Isn't it?" Alagiri had told reporters.

He, however, blew hot and cold and seemed to question Stalin's elevation in the same breath.

"Is the general council alone the party? Do 1,500 members of the council alone represent the DMK? The cadres are on my side. After next month's rally more will come to my side," he said.

Before his expulsion at the height of his succession battle with his brother, Alagiri, known for his mercurial temper, had famously questioned if the DMK was a "mutt" where the pontiff could anoint his successor, an apparent reference to their father.

Though Alagiri was effectively out of politics since his expulsion, few had any doubt about the leader trying to reclaim the space he once had in Tamil Nadu politics after his father's death.

Alagiri wielded considerable clout in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu as the DMK organisation secretary for the region. Whether he retains that clout after four years of political hibernation remains to be seen.

The DMK had failed to open its account in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and lost to the AIADMK in the assembly polls in 2016 when Stalin helmed the campaign after Karunanidhi began keeping indifferent health.

Now, as he leads the party into the Lok Sabha polls next year, he is up against a formidable opponent in the ruling AIADMK besides the fledgling Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) of former AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran.

Actor Kamal Haasan's 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' is likely to make its election debut, and so possibly would the proposed party of superstar Rajinikant.

With so many claimants for a share in the electoral pie, Stalin would have to strain every sinew to ensure the DMK finishes at the top of the table. 
If Alagiri succeeds in mobilising even a chunk of DMK cadre in his favour in southern Tamil Nadu or persuade them to be passive during the polls, he could mar the party's chances at the hustings.&nbsp;

Alagiri, a former union minister who was expelled from the party by his father and the then DMK boss Karunanidhi in 2014 at the height of the siblings' tussle for supremacy

Sacked DMK leader M K Alagiri's rally, billed as a "massive show of strength" to press for his re-induction, was a tame affair Wednesday with the usually abrasive son of M Karunanidhi sparing party chief M K Stalin any criticism, a move seen as extending an olive branch to his younger brother. Alagiri, a former union minister who was expelled from the party by his father and the then DMK boss Karunanidhi in 2014 at the height of the siblings' tussle for supremacy, was expected to breathe fire and brimstone at the rally ostensibly called to show his strength but the event ended not with a bang but a whimper. The once strongman of Madurai, clad in a black shirt and dhoti as a mark of mourning for his father, was said to have mustered around 10,000 people for the rally that began from Wallajah Road junction and concluded at Karunanidhi's mausoleum on the Marina beach, 1.5 km away. He stood on an open-top van with his loyalists holding banners hailing him as 'Anjanenjar' (Braveheart). Alagiri's close family members--son Durai Dayanidhi and daugther Kayalvizhi-- besides a few hardcore loyalists, including former deputy mayor of Madurai Corporation P M Mannan, also wore black for the occasion, and followed him to Karunanidhi's grave where they paid floral tributes to the DMK stalwart. Contrary to expectations, not a single DMK functionary was present. The DMK had recently sacked a village level leader Ravi for shaking hands with Alagiri. No speeches were delivered nor any grand action plan announced, but Alagiri showed some of his characteristic belligerence when he dared the DMK leadership to sack partymen supporting him. "Over 1.5 lakh people attended the rally. You ask them (DMK) if they will act against all of them," Alagiri told reporters. "There is no intention behind the rally other than paying homage to Kalaignar," he said. Karunanidhi was often referred to as 'Kalaignar' (the artiste) or 'Thalaivar' (the leader) by his ardent supporters. Days ahead of the rally, Alagiri, locked in a running feud with Stalin over succession, had made a climbdown and said he was ready to accept his younger sibling as his leader if the party reinducted him. The Karunanidhi family projected a united picture when the DMK chief was fighting a battle for life in a Chennai hospital for 11 days before his death on August 7. However, days after his death the bitter succession war erupted again with Alagiri claiming "all true and loyal supporters of Kalaignar" were with him. Alagiri, who was leading a life of political exile in Madurai away from media glare, had even warned that the DMK will dig its own "grave" if it did not take him back. However, Stalin's election as DMK president on August 28 apparently made Alagiri rethink his plans and end political grandstanding. Sending out a signal that he was prepared to bury the hatchet just two days after Stalin's elevation, Alagiri said he was ready to accept the leadership of his younger brother if he was readmitted into the party. "When we desire to be inducted into the party, we must then accept the (Stalin's) leadership. Isn't it?" Alagiri had told reporters. He, however, blew hot and cold and seemed to question Stalin's elevation in the same breath. "Is the general council alone the party? Do 1,500 members of the council alone represent the DMK? The cadres are on my side. After next month's rally more will come to my side," he said. Before his expulsion at the height of his succession battle with his brother, Alagiri, known for his mercurial temper, had famously questioned if the DMK was a "mutt" where the pontiff could anoint his successor, an apparent reference to their father. Though Alagiri was effectively out of politics since his expulsion, few had any doubt about the leader trying to reclaim the space he once had in Tamil Nadu politics after his father's death. Alagiri wielded considerable clout in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu as the DMK organisation secretary for the region. Whether he retains that clout after four years of political hibernation remains to be seen. The DMK had failed to open its account in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and lost to the AIADMK in the assembly polls in 2016 when Stalin helmed the campaign after Karunanidhi began keeping indifferent health. Now, as he leads the party into the Lok Sabha polls next year, he is up against a formidable opponent in the ruling AIADMK besides the fledgling Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) of former AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran. Actor Kamal Haasan's 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' is likely to make its election debut, and so possibly would the proposed party of superstar Rajinikant. With so many claimants for a share in the electoral pie, Stalin would have to strain every sinew to ensure the DMK finishes at the top of the table. If Alagiri succeeds in mobilising even a chunk of DMK cadre in his favour in southern Tamil Nadu or persuade them to be passive during the polls, he could mar the party's chances at the hustings.

Sacked DMK leader M K Alagiri's show of strength turns out to be a tame affair

The Rafale is a beautiful aircraft which will give India "unprecedented" combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force said Wednesday amid escalating controversy over the Rs 58,000 crore deal.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S B Deo also said those criticising the Rafale deal must understand the laid down norms and procurement procedure.

"It is a beautiful aircraft. It is a very capable aircraft and we are waiting to fly it," he said on the sidelines of an event when asked about the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal.

The air marshal said Rafale jets will give India unprecedented advantage over its adversaries in the region.

India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

The Congress has raised several questions about the deal, including rates of the aircraft, while the government has rejected the charges.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S B Deo also said those criticising the Rafale deal must understand the laid down norms and procurement procedure.

The Rafale is a beautiful aircraft which will give India "unprecedented" combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force said Wednesday amid escalating controversy over the Rs 58,000 crore deal. Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S B Deo also said those criticising the Rafale deal must understand the laid down norms and procurement procedure. "It is a beautiful aircraft. It is a very capable aircraft and we are waiting to fly it," he said on the sidelines of an event when asked about the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal. The air marshal said Rafale jets will give India unprecedented advantage over its adversaries in the region. India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019. The Congress has raised several questions about the deal, including rates of the aircraft, while the government has rejected the charges.

Rafale will give India unprecedented combat capabilities: IAF vice chief

National Conference on Wednesday has decided to boycott panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir citing the challenge to Article 35A of the constitution.

"J&K National Conference will not participate in these elections (panchayat), unless and until the Government of India and the state government clears its position in this regard (Article 35 A) and takes effective steps for the protection of Article 35 A in & inside the court," said Farooq Abdullah.

The National Conference president also said that the upcoming local bodies and panchayat polls were for the betterment of the people of the state.&nbsp

"The government has announced panchayat and town area committee elections. This is not a decision for India or Pakistan. This is a decision for making your own life better - whether you want to make your village better, address peoples' problems or not,” he added.

The polls will be conducted from November 8 to December 4.&nbsp

The State Administrative Council (SAC) on Friday released a schedule for the municipal and panchayat elections in the state.&nbsp

On Saturday NC president and Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah said that steps should be taken to win the hearts of the people.

Farooq Abdullah announced on Wednesday that the National Conference will refrain from participating in the panchayat elections until the issue of Article 35A is settled for good.

National Conference on Wednesday has decided to boycott panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir citing the challenge to Article 35A of the constitution. "J&K National Conference will not participate in these elections (panchayat), unless and until the Government of India and the state government clears its position in this regard (Article 35 A) and takes effective steps for the protection of Article 35 A in & inside the court," said Farooq Abdullah. The National Conference president also said that the upcoming local bodies and panchayat polls were for the betterment of the people of the state. "The government has announced panchayat and town area committee elections. This is not a decision for India or Pakistan. This is a decision for making your own life better - whether you want to make your village better, address peoples' problems or not,” he added. The polls will be conducted from November 8 to December 4. The State Administrative Council (SAC) on Friday released a schedule for the municipal and panchayat elections in the state. On Saturday NC president and Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah said that steps should be taken to win the hearts of the people.

Raking up Article 35A, National Conference to boycott J&K panchayat elections 2018

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh over alleged ceasefire violations, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control (LoC) have witnessed a huge rise from 2015 to 2018, the government had informed Rajya Sabha this July.

Minister of State (MoS) in the Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre told Rajya Sabha that there were 152 cases of CFVs in 2015.

According to the minister, the violations went up to 228 and 860 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Bhamre also underlined that till July 23 this year, Pakistan had already violated the ceasefire as many as 942 times.

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Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh over alleged ceasefire violations
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According to Bhamre, as many as 69 civilians were killed in cross-border firing and ceasefire violation-related incidents between 2015 to 2018, whereas 72 civilians were killed, 235 were injured in cross-border infiltration incidents in the last three years.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control (LoC) have witnessed a huge rise from 2015 to 2018, the government had informed Rajya Sabha this July.

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh over alleged ceasefire violations, news agency ANI reported. Ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control (LoC) have witnessed a huge rise from 2015 to 2018, the government had informed Rajya Sabha this July. Minister of State (MoS) in the Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre told Rajya Sabha that there were 152 cases of CFVs in 2015. According to the minister, the violations went up to 228 and 860 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Bhamre also underlined that till July 23 this year, Pakistan had already violated the ceasefire as many as 942 times. Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh over alleged ceasefire violations — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2018 × According to Bhamre, as many as 69 civilians were killed in cross-border firing and ceasefire violation-related incidents between 2015 to 2018, whereas 72 civilians were killed, 235 were injured in cross-border infiltration incidents in the last three years. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan summons Indian envoy over alleged ceasefire violations

The Jammu and Kashmir police arrested a top over-ground worker of Hizbul Mujahideen on Wednesday.

The arrestee, Touseef Ahmad Gudna alias Abu Bakar, was involved in encouraging youth to join the terror group and revive militancy in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Hizbul worker's arrest came after the police received specific information. Two months ago the police had unearthed a module of the outfit planning to carry out grenade attacks and revive militancy in the district.

The name of the "hardcore motivator" surfaced during interrogation of the two Hizbul Mujahideen activists who were arrested on July 1.

Police believe that with the arrest of Gudna there is "likelihood of a decrease in terrorist activities and a reduction in the number of youth indulging in anti-national activities".

Gudna, a close associate of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Mohammad Amin alias Jehangir, was also involved in a militancy-related case registered in police station Parimpora in Srinagar last year.

He was also reportedly in contact with another terrorist Latti in 2017. Gudna allegedly helped transfer money to Jehangir's wife, police said.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The arrestee, Touseef Ahmad Gudna alias Abu Bakar, was involved in encouraging youth to join the terror group and revive militancy in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir police arrested a top over-ground worker of Hizbul Mujahideen on Wednesday. The arrestee, Touseef Ahmad Gudna alias Abu Bakar, was involved in encouraging youth to join the terror group and revive militancy in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Hizbul worker's arrest came after the police received specific information. Two months ago the police had unearthed a module of the outfit planning to carry out grenade attacks and revive militancy in the district. The name of the "hardcore motivator" surfaced during interrogation of the two Hizbul Mujahideen activists who were arrested on July 1. Police believe that with the arrest of Gudna there is "likelihood of a decrease in terrorist activities and a reduction in the number of youth indulging in anti-national activities". Gudna, a close associate of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Mohammad Amin alias Jehangir, was also involved in a militancy-related case registered in police station Parimpora in Srinagar last year. He was also reportedly in contact with another terrorist Latti in 2017. Gudna allegedly helped transfer money to Jehangir's wife, police said. (With inputs from PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir police arrests 'hardcore' Hizbul activist

Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal S B Deo said on Wednesday that they are waiting for the Rafale aircraft.

Air Marshal's comments came at a time when the Congress was constantly accusing the BJP of signing the deal with France at a much higher price. 
 
Adding that Rafale is beautiful and capable aircraft, the Chief Marshal said they were waiting for the aircraft.

He however did not respond on the ongoing political accusation over the deal.

The deal for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets is signed between the governments of India and France.

Air Marshal's comments came at a time when the Congress was constantly accusing the BJP of signing the deal with France at a much higher price

Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal S B Deo said on Wednesday that they are waiting for the Rafale aircraft. Air Marshal's comments came at a time when the Congress was constantly accusing the BJP of signing the deal with France at a much higher price. Adding that Rafale is beautiful and capable aircraft, the Chief Marshal said they were waiting for the aircraft. He however did not respond on the ongoing political accusation over the deal. The deal for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets is signed between the governments of India and France.

Waiting for Rafale aircraft: Air Force Vice Chief

The Supreme Court will hear a plea against the Rafale deal next week.&nbsp;

The plea, filed by a lawyer, calls for the deal to be scrapped. It says the deal has led to corruption.&nbsp;

The government has in recently months been attacked relentlessly over the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

The opposition says the Narendra Modi-led goverment is paying more for the Rafale fighter jets than original decided upon by the UPA government.&nbsp;

The announcement that the court would hear the plea was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud&nbsp;

The plea, filed by a lawyer, calls for the deal to be scrapped. It says the deal has led to corruption.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea against the Rafale deal next week. The plea, filed by a lawyer, calls for the deal to be scrapped. It says the deal has led to corruption. The government has in recently months been attacked relentlessly over the Rafale deal. The opposition says the Narendra Modi-led goverment is paying more for the Rafale fighter jets than original decided upon by the UPA government. The announcement that the court would hear the plea was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud

Supreme Court to hear plea against Rafale deal next week

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